guitar2005 Posted August 23, 2006 Report Share Posted August 23, 2006 I want to build an explorer with a 16" fretboard radius but it seems that all "standard" tune-o-matic bridges are 12" radius. I checked the wraparound bridges too and they're 12" radius. Are there not other options out there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spazzyone Posted August 23, 2006 Report Share Posted August 23, 2006 file your own saddles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WezV Posted August 23, 2006 Report Share Posted August 23, 2006 +1 two minutes with a small file and your sorted!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guitar2005 Posted August 23, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2006 +1 two minutes with a small file and your sorted!! With chrome saddles, I'll be filing off the finish.... Is there a place that sells just the saddles? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prostheta Posted August 23, 2006 Report Share Posted August 23, 2006 (edited) Get a small piece of plastic (or something that will hold it's form) the same front profile size as your TOM and use a piece of string and a pencil to draw a 16" wide circle (attaching it to something larger helps). You will now have a perfect guide to adjust your saddle string height radius at the bridge. Just string 'er up and raise the height of your TOM so that the first and sixth strings are "at height". Use a file to increase the slot size in the saddles of the 2nd/3rd/4th/5th strings by lifting them out and taking them down a bit at a time till they touch your radius template. Remember to polish and smooth the saddles to reduce breakages and to check your intonation!! Edited August 23, 2006 by Prostheta Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spazzyone Posted August 23, 2006 Report Share Posted August 23, 2006 without having them custom made you wont find a 16' radius on a T.O.M as far as the chrome finish you would only file the slots wich in time will remove the finish anyway and Prostheta's jig idea sounds great Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maiden69 Posted August 23, 2006 Report Share Posted August 23, 2006 I tihnk that Tone pros can be ordered with custom radius. If not you can order a TOM with blank saddles(un-notched TOM) or just get the saddles like the ones below. http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bridges,_tailp..._and_Parts.html http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bridges,_tailp...ic_Saddles.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prostheta Posted August 28, 2006 Report Share Posted August 28, 2006 Just to let you know, I knocked up some radius templates in TurboCAD which you can use to recut your saddles. I created a new thread HERE for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.